Shark in the water [Kit]

[corgi]

It was hot out, and so muggy you could practically swim.
The water, however, was a nice relief.
Roxikanta had brought some skins and things, and she planned to relax and take a nice lazy day. Do you ever wonder what became of that dainty wingless green and Hers? Because... Because I do. [/i] Roxikanta looked toward Auersoth, brushing her very red hair from her face. She did think of the pair a bit, but she couldn't remember last seeing them. It had to have been atleast a turn or more right?
Yeah, I wonder.. What makes you ask so sudden? The Garnet gave His a quizzical look, as if his reason was obvious. Didn't her rider have an obsidian flit? [/color] Roxikanta thought for a moment. Yeah, A'tide did, she recalled. Where was Persikat yesterday? [/color] Auersoth was squirming and splashing in the water. Why did His not see what he meant??
He was... Sunbathing?...?
Oh, miiiiiiine!! Did you not notice? He went after and caught a pretty little obsidian. I only know because he is acting all glossy and being really vain, like way more vain than usual.[/color] Roxikanta stopped reading now, feeling embarrassed for her Bronze's doings. Was it really A'tide's pet? Perhaps it was a different flitter?

As if on cue, Persikat landed neatly on His's back. Look at HIM! He was a magnificent King! There was none like him anywhere! The bronze strutted all over Roxikanta, making a deal of his arrival....

(Maybe Neth and A'tide are taking a walk or something, or coming to swim. Also, Auersoth's the shark in the water... ;D)

[Kitsuneko]

It was another hot, muggy, uncomfortable day, and Ninianeth was bored of relaxing in the sun. She said as much to her rider. The sun is nice, but the heat is almost suffocating.

A'tide, who was relaxing in his weyr, tilted his head. "I'd have thought you would want to enjoy the sun while it lasts, 'Neth. You know you'll miss it when the storms really start coming in. Not that he really expected the green to remember the weather from a turn ago. Her memory wasn't that good--anyway, that's why she had A'tide.

Ninianeth huffed irritably at the reminder. I suppose...but it's too humid now to really enjoy it. I want to go for a swim. Come with me? The green turned to look at the human, and though A'tide couldn't see her eyes, 'Neth made it clear to him that she was gazing at him wistfully, and how could he refuse that? He gathered up Zexx and his collar, as well as Regal. He'd realized the obsidian fire lizard had risen yesterday, but he hadn't paid any attention to the outcome of the flight; he had no idea if the winner was a bronze or an ebony. He did make a mental note to be aware of clutching behavior from the young flit in the future. Obsidians didn't always clutch, but a few eggs to sell would be a nice bonus. As he stood up, Regal sensed where he was headed and flitted onto his shoulder, apparently as eager to get out as Ninianeth.

So, man, dog, flitter and dragon all made their way to the River Delta; it was a relatively short walk from Rindell and generally the easiest body of water to reach for swimming. Ninianeth knew the way there well; she was a young green still, but she was inordinately fond of the water and enjoyed swimming often, moreso even than most dragons. It shouldn't have surprised either her or A'tide to find other people out and about--on a hot yet clear day like this, everyone who could spare the time was probably in or around the water.

As they arrived, Regal leaped from A'tide's shoulder with a happy trill. "Where's she going now?" A'tide questioned his dragon.

It looks like she's made a friend, Ninianeth said with a slight snort. Or, more likely, that's the flit who won her flight. I've never seen her moon over another flit like that before. The green was already sounding bored, at least until they got a little closer and she got a look at the rider and dragon closest to the fire lizards. Hmm, the giant garnet in the water looks familiar. Do you know that female rider?

Obviously, A'tide couldn't recognize anyone for sure unless he heard the rider's voice, but a garnet with a female rider definitely struck a chord in his memory all the same. That sounded like it could be Roxikanta. It had been a long time since they had had a chance to talk, what with weyrling training the last two turns or so, but now would be a good opportunity, assuming 'Neth wasn't mistaken.

He told Zexx to stop close by to where 'Neth said the rider was and spoke up. "Excuse me if I sound a little odd, but have we met before?" A'tide didn't notice it, but Regal was very excitedly greeting Persikat at the same time. It had been a whole twelve hours since she'd seen him.

[corgi]

Auersoth and Persikat both looked up at the same time. Although Persikat was faster and thus greeted Regal before the Garnet could blink. He gave an indignant scwack at the man and dog; His Queen, Hisssssss! He did not approve of the other males, even if they were not his species and also seemed hardly interested... With a purr, he turned to Regal. How had his daaaarling been? How he had missed her beautiful face~

Roxikanta could barely contain herself at Persikat's antics. He's always been a weird flit, moreso at this moment, she decided. But besides that, there was A'tide. With a smile, she pushed the pages out of the way, and looked at the man. He was still blind, well duh. You don't go unblind. "I think I used to know a certain man who attended a hatching with me, and ended up Impressing the most wonderful and interesting green ever to break shell... Or perhaps I remember when a certain Garnet tried to squeeze down the hallway to say hi......."
Hello sweet Ninianeth, I was just wishing you and YourOwn well. You have grown since I last saw you, yes, look how you have matured! Auersoth had his jaws parted in a grin, but anyone who didn't know him or hear the glad warmth in his voice might be scared by the big pointy teeth. With a gleeful snort he added, Who needs wings anyway? You manage quite splendid without them. I wonder.. I bet I can't swim half as good as you! ...... So.. Would you like to join me? I mean... We're friends and friends do fun things..!! Right?
Auersoth wagged his rear, not only his tail. He was too excited, his whole body wanted to wiggle with his happiness!

"Perhaps we've met. But I've gained a Firelizard since then. He's a Bronze named Persikat.."
Roxikanta almost hugged A'tide, but she quickly decided that unless she confirmed who she was and gave some kind if a warning, she probably shouldn't do that lest she surprise him. I mean, random hugs when you can't really see or tell who's there might be a bit unnerving..

[Kitsuneko]

Regal basked in the attention--she wasn't usually that outgoing, but it had been her first flight, so what could you expect? She crooned happily and nuzzled the bronze before settling down. She glanced at Rox and Aeurosoth, but otherwise ignored them, as all of her attention was focused on her mate. Ninianeth was already getting bored of it.

Thank you, Aeurosoth, the green said, preening at the compliment. You're not looking bad yourself. He was looking a lot smaller these days, though he was still towered over her--but she had only been a hatchling before. She couldn't help but raise her head at the mention of swimming. Actually, we came her to do exactly that. I'll be glad to join you, she said excitedly, and Ninianeth slipped into the water. She'd gotten a lot of practice in the last two turns.

A'tide's face relaxed into a smile when he heard her speak up. Yep, that was definitely Rox. "Well, to be fair, Aeurosoth in a hallway is hard to forget," he joked. Ninianeth had told him that the fire lizard Regal was with was a bronze, so it wasn't particularly hard to put the pieces together. "Ah, I hadn't heard. I think it seems likely that Regal has met him before," he said dryly. He bent over to take Zexx's collar off and give the canine some free time. The canine immediately slumped onto the ground and began to nap.

[corgi]

Auersoth gave his tail another wag, and considered pouncing on Ninianeth, but quickly quickly he remembered what had happened once with a different green, his claws injuring without his intention.
The Garnet stiffened, looking quite sad for a moment, as he fought with his fantasy of being a different sort of Garnet and the reality of how well made he was bred to be yet another bad guy.

He, fortunately, picked up on what A'tide had commented, and gave a fond snort. Yes, that was quite a tight fit, if I dare say. Wiggle too much and get stuck, or bring the wall down... Auersoth looked at Ninaneth sheepishly, blinking at her with green swirly eyes. Yes, he was a friendly Garnet, but he was still a Garnet. He was built for Garnet-things, but he would rather not take part in such bloodbaths...

Roxikanta noted A'tide tone when referring to the flits. "So that was Regal's first flight? Or, atleast I would think, because when last I remember she was quite young?" The redhead knew A'tide liked to be left alone to get along himself, he was tough that way. He even declined Neth's help, although his first experience had not been the best by far. "How did your leg heal? Shells, did you even go to the Healer's, or did you disapprove of me sticking my nose in your business?" She meant that as a joke, maybe a bit of a friendly jab too. A'tide did after all have a good sense of humor, which made him a pleasure to chat with.

Persikat remained all ruffled and protective of Regal, as if he still needed to show off.. He'd won but you know, never hurts to keep the interest and attractiveness going.

[Kitsuneko]

Ninianeth took off quickly, and soon she was practically doing laps around the garnet. He was big enough to be a decent landmark actually, if her rider's presence by the riverbank wasn't enough. She did notice the way he started to move with purpose and then stiffened as if he'd suddenly changed his mind, but aside from shooting him an odd glance, she thought nothing more of it. She wasn't that nosy of a green.

She stopped swimming for a moment, treading water, and regarded the garnet. Hey, Aeurosoth, do you actually have to swim in this river, or can your claws touch the bottom? she asked, not unkindly. She was curious, more than anything. She certainly couldn't wade unless she was closer to the shoreline, but then, she was a green, and a short one, considering her horizontal length. Her shoulders were barely higher than her rider's.

A'tide, meanwhile, was nodding in response to Rox's question. "Yep, her first flight. She's about two turns and nine months now, I think, so it's about time she got it over with." He sat down on the grass beside Zexx, curling one hand in the canine's shaggy fur comfortingly. When Rox asked about his leg, he was pretty sure he flushed. "Oh, that." Yeah, tripping his way down a simple set of steps wasn't exactly the best impression to leave someone with when you barely saw them for the next turn or two.

"Sure I went to visit the healers. It wasn't anything serious, though. Healed up just fine, see?" He slapped the leg in question to prove his point. Although saying he had met the healers was something between a stretch of the truth and a bald-faced lie--he'd spent the rest of that evening resting his ankle in his own weyr while 'Neth slept. While it was true he had "met" a healer shortly after the accident, it was more of a case of running across a journeyman in the dining hall later that evening and telling them his ankle had already been taken care of, thanks for asking.

[corgi]

Auersoth brightened, and he nearly could have twisted his neck into knots watching Neth circle him. She was like a fish! Touch the bottom? Curiously, Auersoth tested the depth himself, and found he could place all four feet on the muddy-sandy floor. But between not being used to standing in water, or maybe he'd made himself dizzy watching Ninianeth, the Garnet quickly lost his balance. With a sound of surprise, he flailed about, until he stood again, shaking his head thoughtfully. I can, but I guess I don't have my water legs yet! He offered meekly. Ground shifted under his feet, geez. Don't think he'd try that again..

Meanwhile, Roxikanta sat down as well, not able to stop smiling. Part of her felt like A'tide was still a stranger, but she felt like he was a friend, even so, he was worth getting to know. "I feel like we spend more time giving each other a hard time than we do anything else. It's been 2 turns, but I don't think we ever took time to actually talk.." She had noticed the change of color in his face, and really didn't want to pry or push the man. He was already blind or pity's sake, and she kept teasing about the old days. Fun they were, but maybe it was time for something new, to better their relationship.
"Before I came to Rindell, I lived in Southern Weyr. Mostly because I wanted to get away from my family. Let's just say they were a bit... Choosy over the favorites of the family and leave it at that. Anyway, I remember the trials Auersoth and I were faced with, him being Garnet and all. That's why we came to the Rebellion. But my point is, Neth hasn't been picked on right? I'm sure she'd give any bully a good 'what for' when it all boils now, but.. I guess I'm curious if anyone has treated you both differently.." She blushed, realizing how she had started to babble a tad. A'tide was good at listening, but she didn't want to put him to sleep...

You are like a fish, Neth! But oh much better! No fish is as graceful or as ...well green as you. I'm glad you are doing so well. He nodded excitedly, tongue flicking out of his jaws as if he was going to pant like a dog, like a very tail-waggy, big, red dog...

[Kitsuneko]

Ninianeth practically broke into giggles when the garnet lost his balance. Her eyes were whirling rapidly, and she rumbled in amusement. Careful not to hurt yourself, there, she said once she had calmed down a bit.

She snorted. A fish? Fish are for eating...but yes, I see what you mean. I can't fly, but A'tide says that shouldn't stop me from excelling in something else. I wish we had dolphins around here; I would like to meet one.

"Heh...I guess you have a point," A'tide said as Rox sat down. He always felt a little awkward about social niceties. They were an annoying necessity. He listened as Rox told him a bit about her past. "I grew up in Trelis Weyr...I guess I was lucky. My father is a dragonrider, and he was always proud of me and pushing me to be better. I actually got along pretty well with the people there, at least until a group of riders from Southern Weyr came and took over--I'm sure you can guess how they acted. Anyway, I didn't like how the mutations were being treated, and then I got into a fight with a rider over it...Let's just say I decided that that would be a good time to join the Rebellion."

He paused thoughtfully before continuing. "I didn't really get a lot of bad treatment at Trelis, but I think my father had a bit to do with that, and I was always kind of a loner anyway. Here? There was some skepticism about my Impression to Ninianeth, but hey, Rindell Weyrhold was founded because of people who were sick of being treated badly because they were different. People who pick on differences around here tend not to stick around very long. And 'Neth wouldn't have to take on bullies, although she would give them a tongue lashing--I'd beat them up first," he added with a grin.

[corgi]

Roxikanta felt happy, sort of like she was smiling with her heart... She was glad for A'tide, and truth be told, badgering each other was just as fun as sharing stuff, she thought. "I can see you taking a swing at a bully." She said, voice going quiet and thoughtful. She wondered, how did he keep such great spirits when his world was totally dark? He was such a up-beat guy, even if he had a mutated dragon on top of his own disabilities. Really, Roxi didn't mind one bit, in fact she respected him for that. But his ability to crack a joke despite what was thrown at him, it was truly amazing.

WHAT?! I rather hope no one attempted to eat you! You are not that kind of fish, no. I've never seen a dolphin. I thought they were egg-stories? I bet you are wingless because you are some sort if cross-breed between the species! You might just be the future dragon-dolphin the world will be in awe of! That is a most excellent theory, don't you agree? Careful to keep his balance, Auersoth threw his head back and rumbled with gleeful laughter (though to strangers it might seem rather scary). Neth was the most interesting green he'd ever known, and quite beautiful too, he noted rather decidedly.

"A'tide? You have the most inspiring attitude of any person I know. I'm glad to have a friend like you." She smiled, and very slowly touched Zexx, as if to get permission to move closer. Gingerly, she scooted a tad more, and let her hand touch both the sleeping dog and the man's fur enlaced hand. That was as close as she'd move, depending on A'tide's reaction. She wanted to offer her touch as a emphasis on how much she enjoyed his personality, and also him being here.

[Kitsuneko]

A'tide grinned. "Well, it's not as if I've never done it before. I can't stand bullies." He'd gotten in more than one fight in his early years, in the defense of other children as often as against those who were teasing him. He inevitably surprised the bullies with his all-out assaults, but it made repeat incidents rare, and anyway, they shouldn't have expected a blind guy to fight fair.

"Umm, thanks," He said, a touch awkwardly. Impressing 'Neth was an astounding moment, he would admit, but mostly it was just him living his life. He didn't see what was so special about that. He did feel her touch his hand in Zexx's fur, and deduce that she was sitting beside him. Zexx twitched, but didn't move away, so he must not have minded Rox touching him when he was off-duty either. His tail made a few half-hearted thumping noises on the ground. "So how did you deal with people who picked on Aeurosoth? Did any of them get beat up by a girl?"

Ninianeth was giggling again as she floated in the water. I'm not sure there's anything that could eat a dragon-sized fish. A hybrid? Oooh, that would be neat! The green squirmed in excitement. Even if the idea of a dolphin-dragon was odd, she liked the idea of being an object of awe generations from now. Aeurosoth, you officially have the best ideas.

[corgi]

Roxikanta bit her lip, thinking how she must have come off strangely. She had been, petting Zexx and her hand slipped. Yeah... That was what really happened.. She didn't respond to A'tide right away, though once she heard his question, she couldn't help but smile. "Well not exactly. I never really anyone cause problems to my face. I think having a big red Garnet spared me any fights. Even if Auersoth would never hurt anyone, er, he never tries or intends to. I did take a swing at a villager once. Another rider had just searched a Candidate, but the dim-glow resisted me and the other rider. I would have gotten a bit rough if Auersoth hadn't solved the whole thing..." She paused, smiling warmly at the interaction between the green and Garnet. "Auersoth barely lifted his lips at the man, when I guess Auersoth's teeth gave him a change of heart."

Auersoth floundered around, quite literally, trying to flap his wings in ecstatic cheering. Let's just say, it seemed cooler in his head. Yeeeikes! Wings are clumsy, lumpy things in the water... !!He said this very seriously, panting and trying the get the droplets out of his nose. Ok, so water wasn't his thing. It felt good, but he was as aquatic as a soggy wherry! My nose itches.. He added, though his eyes swirled with happiness as Neth said his ideas were the best. Yes, you are very well fit to be a dolphin. They sound fancy and magic and love-... Lo-lovel... Loo.. Lah..., AAAH AaahhhH CHOOOooohiEE!
The Garnet sneezed so sudden (not to mention loud), that he looked utterly bewildered. He felt red as well... Red as a Garnet with a sunburn who also was embarrassed. S'cuse me..... He managed weakly, sniffing softly. He was a fool wasn't he? If everyone called him a laughing stock, maybe he wouldn't be such a monster in everyone's minds?

[Kitsuneko]

A'tide was grinning as Rox told her story, but he shook his head in disbelief at the mention of the villager. "That must have been one brave yet stupid man to put up such a fight with a garnet right there. Even if it was Aeurosoth," he added. Times like that, it was easy to see the advantages of having a big, scary dragon around, even if the dragon in question wouldn't hurt a fly.

Ninianeth's eyes whirled in amusement as she watched Aeurosoth, ducking under the water once or twice when his wings got a little too close to her head. Hee hee, just as well I don't have to deal with wings when I swim, 'Neth said. She paused afterward, noting Aeurosoth's expression right before the garnet sneezed.

You're excused, 'Neth said through giggles. Hey, that was pretty impressive. You made waves in the water. The current in this part of the river wasn't very strong, so the effect from the dragon's sneeze was easier to notice. The green gave another laugh.